Wanted: One giant leap to break down cultural barrier

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It might not be the most glamorous tribute Sir Jonathan Mills will receive as
he launches his farewell festival, but it is one that will give him some
satisfaction: “He always came in within budget. We never had any last-minute
pleas for help.”

It was the verdict of Steve Cardownie, an Edinburgh councillor, not always the
most forgiving of men, who, in his day, has seen a few festival directors
come and go. He can remember times when funding the International Festival
meant an annual war of words between the city and the arts world, with the
council accused of